Second Chances Chapter 1

Hermione Jean Granger was finally Head Girl at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was her dream since first year. Until it was dampened by one Draco Malfoy. The bloody Bouncing Ferret was Head Boy.

"How the bloody hell did he make head boy?" Hermione angrily asked her boyfriend. Naturally, the Weasley was scarfing down food from the trolley. When Hermione looked over at him, she stared in disgust. Who would date this pig? She thought. Oh yeah. I would. And am.

"I don't know. You want me to rough him up for you?" Ron asked around a mouthful of chocolate frogs. Hermione was touched by the thought even though Malfoy would probably be able to kill Ron without trying. The grossness of the chocolate frogs took the touching part away.

"Don't talk with you mouth full, Ronald!" Hermione scolded. Harry rolled his eyes and looked out the window of the Hogwarts Express. The scenery outside was beautiful as ever.

"Maybe he has changed 'Mione. Give him a chance. The war is over. Things could be different with him." Harry told her. She scowled at him but agreed anyway. Malfoy could be his own person now. There was no Voldemort and his father was in Azkaban. His mother was never actually bad. She was just led by the fear and cruelty of her husband. In the end, she helped win the war.

"I suppose" Hermione agreed reluctantly. Harry smiled at her, but it faded as he though of something.

"And don't expect him to be completely changed immediately. Give it a little time." She nodded in agreement again with Harry's words. Hopefully it wouldn't take too much time. If at all.

Ginny entered the compartment and sat down next to her boyfriend. Harry put his arm around her and she leaned into him. They are so sweet together. Hermione thought. She didn't want Ron to do that to her. He was disgusting. Greasy, dirty fingers. Hermione had thought of breaking up with him. More than once. And she was still considering it.

Hermione looked out the window for a moment before picking up a book. Her favorite: Hogwarts A History. Harry and Ginny rolled their eyes at her predictability.

This was like the tenth time she read this book but loves it every time. Hermione noticed Ron was pigging out, so she scooted a few more inches away, getting as far away as she could in the small compartment.

Suddenly, a pale hand was out-stretched in front of her face, obstructing her view of the words in her book. Hermione looked up to see a smirking Draco Malfoy.

"Come on Granger. We are meant to be in the Head's compartment." Malfoy said nicely. How did he come in so quietly? Hermione thought.

"Oh" was all she said before grabbing her one little pouch (Thank you expanding charm) and her book. Hermione took Malfoy's slender hand and left. She could feel Ron's eyes on her.

Malfoy led her to the back of the train to the Head's compartment. He never released her hand. They entered the previously vacant compartment and Hermione set her pouch down. She stared up at Malfoy for a moment.

"No Hello, Granger?" Malfoy asked playfully while smirking.

"Sorry. Hi" She said awkwardly. Hermione may not like him but she was not rude. "I just expected you to call me Mudblood or something."

"Did you want me to call you that?" He asked.

"No! No! It was just strange that's all." She replied in a bit of a rush. Hermione then realized they were still holding hands. Malfoy was lacing his fingers through hers and she was letting him.

Why is he doing that? She thought. Why am I letting him?

"I'm sorry." Malfoy whispered. Hermione was shocked. A Malfoy apologizing to a Mudblood? It was unheard of. "For calling you those horrendous things and everything. I was under the influence of Voldemort and my father. I shouldn't have followed them. I was scared of what would happen if I didn't. I'm glad you and Potter won the war. Everyone is free." Malfoy smiled at her. A real smile. Hermione's breath caught. His smile was beautiful. It made him even hotter.

"It's o-okay. I understand. Voldemort could have killed you. I'm glad he didn't" Hermione assured him. Did I just say that out loud? She thought. Malfoy's smile grew.

"I'm glad he didn't kill me too." he told her. Hermione smiled back at him. Malfoy pulled her close and hugged her. She was, to say the least, surprised. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him back.

There was an announcement to change into school robes and they broke away from the hug. She smiled at Malfoy and left to go change. Malfoy changed in the compartment and awaited her return.